Garrano Pony

Intro

Also called Minho, Garrano do Minho, Trás os Montes, the Garrano is a prehistoric Portuguese pony which has adapted to the climate & geography in the northern mountain regions of the Iberian Peninsula. Cave paintings from the Paleolithic era describe a pony that is the ancestor of today’s breed.

Origins

It has been theorized that Celtic animals of similar size & stature may have contributed their genetics to the Garrano, but not proven. One of the breeds unique characteristics is a concave profile, and although they have had some Arabian influence cave paintings indicate that their profile is not an Arabian trait.

The Garrano blood is thought to run through the veins of the Asturian & Galacian horses of northern Spain as well as the mighty Andalusian which occasionally displays a concave profile as proof.

Features

Average height 10 – 14 hands

Physique

Head is small but can be heavy with a straight or slightly concave profileEyes are large & livelyNeck is long and muscularBack is short & straightMane & tail are abundantChest is deep & wideLegs are long & solid with broad jointsFeet are shapely and tough